Proper yearly auto maintenance should always include insuring that your headlights, taillights, turn signals and parking lots are always working effectively. Many customers come to AAMCO of Keller for a yearly car maintenance check-up and find out that they may have a headlight out. While replacing the vehicles headlights with the factory recommended bulb is always the best option, many customers also wonder about XID or Blue Headlights as a replacement option.
What are Blue Headlights?
People commonly describe HID or Xenon headlights as “Blue Headlights”. They are usually known as one of two things: other xenon headlights, or high-intensity discharge lights, or HID for short. These lights are known to produce an incredibly intense blue light when compared to halogen bulbs, and they give off minimal heat. In order to produce HID lights, you need a lot of power right away to produce the first burst of light emitting from the headlights. Once the lights have fully been turned on and are at their brightest, they require less energy to maintain for an extended period of time, so they actually save you in power over time. They have a long lifespan, but they do cost more money up front to pay for them. The blue light mixes with a white light and emits such a bright light that it can be harmful to other drivers on the road. Many drivers actually despise xenon headlights on the road, especially at night as they can cause accidents due to their brightness.
Are Xenon or LED Blue Headlights better than traditional Halogen Headlights?
LEDs are the most recent innovation in headlight technology. Instead of gas and filaments, LEDs rely on small diodes that produce light when electric current excites their electrons. They need a low amount of power to work but do produce a significant amount of heat on the diode. This requires heat control systems at the bottom of the headlight and near other car components. If this system fails, not just the light, but other electronics could be affected. Xenon bulbs have a long lifespan and emit little heat, but they cost more than halogen bulbs. Xenon lights, also known as high-intensity discharge (HID) lights, produce a brighter light than halogen bulbs and with far less heat. The blue-white light emitted by xenon bulbs is so bright, it has been known to “blind” other drivers. These headlights require a large amount of power at the outset to produce their first burst of light, but once fully operational, they require much less energy to maintain constant brightness. Traditional Halogen Headlight Bulbs still rank highest as the most common headlight on the market, but several alternatives, including xenon-based and light-emitting diode (LED) headlights, are growing in popularity.
Are Blue Headlights Illegal in Texas?
The most common question from AAMCO of Keller customers about Blue Headlights is are they illegal in Texas. The short answer is it depends on a few factors. Any headlight bulb of the vehicle must be white or shades of yellow and amber; this is not only a Texas standard, but a federal one (according to 49 Code of Federal Regulations Section 571.108).
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, any colored bulbs or headlamps must have the Department of Transportation or appropriate Society of Automotive Engineers stamp of compliance on them; there are currently no DOT-approved red or blue bulbs. Red and blue bulbs resemble the lights used by emergency and law enforcement vehicles, making them confusing or distracting for officers and other drivers. So HID, Xenon or Blue Headlights sold by a reputable dealer or auto store can be used in Texas as longs as the Blue Headlights carry the appropriate DOT stamp of approval.
If you headlights are currently out or your car is in need of a yearly check-up call the experts at AAMCO of Keller for a full diagnostic checkup at (817)-431-0009. Click here to schedule your appointment online at AAMCO of Keller, Texas.
AAMCO Of Keller, TX
AAMCO Transmissions of Keller our technicians are the best trained in the industry with not only 20 years experience on new cars but also over 60 years experience in the automotive industry. Our goal is not only to provide the best product in the industry but also the best customer service available. A recent survey showed that over 95% of cars serviced with major repairs at AAMCO are still in service with many reaching the 100,000 mile range without failure.
At AAMCO of Keller we believe that getting the best value for your dollar is the most important part of any repair. That is why all of our services come with a minimum of a one year warranty and not the typical 90 days provided by most repair shops. We use only the highest quality parts available.
AAMCO of Keller is a full-service auto repair and preventive maintenance center. We are automatic and manual transmission experts. We provide transmission service and maintenance as well as transmission flush & filter service. We are conveniently located for your service and maintenance needs and we are qualified to repair and service all domestic and imported cars, trucks, and SUV’s using parts that are equal to or exceed the standards of those parts originally used by the manufacturers. We are definitely the cost-effective alternative to car dealership servicing for all scheduled maintenance of your personal or company auto, pickup or truck. Regardless of where it was built, we will service your car or truck and still maintain the manufacturer’s warranty. We honor most extended warranties.
AAMCO of Keller is independently owned and operated. We pride ourselves on getting the services or repairs on your auto right the first time by our highly qualified service technicians. So drop your auto, SUV, or truck off today and allow us to provide you with excellent service. We look forward to servicing your vehicle.
